Colbert, Cain hold joint S.C. rally

CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 20 (UPI) -- More than 3,000 people turned out Friday for a South Carolina rally held by comedian Stephen Colbert and former Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain.

Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report" and a native of Charleston, S.C., and Cain, the former Godfather's Pizza chief executive who dropped out of the race after allegations of sexual harassment and a 13-year affair, held the "Rock Me Like a Herman Cain: South Cain-olina Primary Rally" at the College of Charleston, The New York Daily News reported Friday.

The event featured appearances from both personalities as well as a gospel choir, cheerleaders and a marching band playing LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem."

The event stemmed from Colbert's announcement this week that he is exploring a presidential run as part of his ongoing satire of the role super PACs have played in the current race.

The men told voters a vote for Cain, who did not drop out in time to get off the South Carolina ballot, would be a vote for Colbert.

"Mr. Colbert could not get on the ballot. I could not get off the ballot. That's how this came about," Cain said.

Colbert promised to keep the event positive and free from personal attacks.

"I won't be saying things like, 'The only difference between Mitt Romney and a statue is the statue never changes his position,'" Colbert joked.

"And I am not going to answer the 'gotcha' question, 'Are you interested in an open marriage?'" he said. "Though I am flattered Newt Gingrich asked me."

United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.

With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today’s UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.

A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.

UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI when after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications.